In line with its internationalization strategy, Dokuz Eylül University has joined the Orhun Exchange Program to deepen academic collaboration with countries of the Turkic World and to strengthen cultural ties. Administered under the coordination of the Turkic Universities Union (TÜRKÜNİB), the program fosters the exchange of students and academic staff among higher education institutions in kindred nations, including the Republic of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The Orhun Exchange Program is a multilateral initiative founded upon shared historical, linguistic, and cultural heritage, aiming to promote academic integration across universities of the Turkic World. Within the scope of the program, undergraduate and graduate students, along with academic staff, are afforded the opportunity to participate in educational activities at partner institutions abroad for one or two semesters, in accordance with defined protocols.

Through its participation in the program, Dokuz Eylül University will offer its students the chance to engage with diverse academic environments in the Turkic Republics, benefit from intercultural exchange, and pursue a high standard of education. Likewise, academic staff will be enabled to conduct teaching and research activities on an international platform, contribute to joint projects, and collaborate on scholarly publications.

The administration of the program, including the application and evaluation processes, will be carried out with great care by the University’s Office of International Academic Relations, in full alignment with applicable regulations and institutional guidelines.

As Dokuz Eylül University, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering stronger ties within the higher education landscape of the Turkic World, advancing academic mobility, and enhancing scientific capacity grounded in shared values and mutual respect.

ORHUN EXCHANGE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Dokuz Eylül University Office of International Academic Relations

Program Objective

The Orhun Exchange Program is a multilateral mobility initiative launched by the Turkic Universities Union (TÜRKÜNİB) with the aim of promoting academic cooperation and mobility among higher education institutions in the Turkic World. The program seeks to enhance the quality of education, foster cultural integration, and expand scientific collaboration by supporting the exchange of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel among participating countries based on shared academic values.

Participating Countries and Institutions

Higher education institutions in the following countries are eligible to participate in the Orhun Exchange Program:

• Türkiye

• Azerbaijan

• Kazakhstan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Uzbekistan

• Turkmenistan

• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

• Other universities that are members of TÜRKÜNİB

Bilateral protocols are established among TÜRKÜNİB member universities to facilitate student and faculty exchanges within the framework of the program.

Target Groups

• Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Eligible for studying abroad for a minimum of one academic semester

• Academic Staff: Eligible for activities such as teaching, joint research, seminars, and conferences

Duration of Exchange

• Students: Minimum of one semester and a maximum of one full academic year

• Academic Staff: Minimum of one week and up to one academic semester

Financial Support and Mutual Responsibilities

• Students participating in the Orhun Exchange Program must remain enrolled at their home institution and continue to pay any applicable tuition or fees to their own university. Students may not freeze or suspend their registration during the exchange. No additional tuition fees will be charged by the host institution.

• Home institutions are responsible for covering the travel expenses of students and faculty.

• Host institutions are responsible for providing accommodation and meals for incoming students and faculty.

• Course recognition and credit transfer are conducted through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Application and Evaluation Process

The application process for Dokuz Eylül University students and faculty is managed in the following stages:

1. Announcement: Program calls are published on the website of the Office of International Academic Relations and disseminated through faculties.

2. Application: Applications are accepted online or in person within the specified dates.

3. Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on academic achievement, language proficiency, and supporting motivation documents.

4. Placement: Successful applicants are matched with suitable partner universities.

5. Preparation: Orientation sessions are provided, and academic calendars and course equivalencies are coordinated with the host institution.

Academic Recognition and Quality Assurance

Courses completed through the Orhun Exchange Program are formally recognized by Dokuz Eylül University and recorded on the student’s transcript. Course equivalency and credit alignment are ensured through pre-approved course matching documents. As part of quality assurance, academic and administrative reporting is conducted both before and after the mobility period.

The program is administered by the Dokuz Eylül University Office of International Academic Relations in close cooperation with the relevant academic units.

For further information, please contact our coordination office or visit:
http://turkunib.org/orhun/
Required documents are available at:
http://turkunib.org/tr/orhun